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Whimsical Circus Animal Cookie Marshmallow Treats

A mug with a pink drink in it

While hunting for cookie cutters for our circus animal cookie ornaments, we discovered a set of tiny animal cutters and an idea clicked: circus animal cookie marshmallows for hot chocolate. I’d been mulling over a cute marshmallow project for years, and these little cutters were the perfect inspiration.

To make the drinks extra fun, we paired the marshmallows with pink hot chocolate. I later learned pink hot chocolate is available commercially, but we made our own — either way, these marshmallows are adorable and delicious. Ready to make some?

Mugs with pink drinks and animal cookie marshmallows in it
Someone holding a mug with a pink substance in it

A mug with a pink drink in it

Circus Animal Cookie Marshmallows

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
One 13×9″ Pan Marshmallows

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 packages unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
  • Mini animal cookie cutters (for cutting shapes)

Instructions

  1. Spray the sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place powdered sugar in a fine-mesh sieve and dust the entire bottom of the dish with a generous layer of powdered sugar.
  2. Put the gelatin in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add 1/2 cup of the water to the gelatin and let it bloom.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, the sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes, then continue until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer, about 8 more minutes.
  4. With the mixer on low, slowly drizzle the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin and water. After all the syrup is added, increase the speed to high and beat for about 15 minutes, until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
  5. Mix in the vanilla, then spread the marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared 13 x 9 pan. Use a spatula coated with nonstick spray to help smooth the surface. Sprinkle the top with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles.
  6. Let the marshmallows set uncovered overnight. Once firm, dust small cookie cutters with powdered sugar and press to cut marshmallows into animal shapes.

A bunch of mugs with a pink liquid and animal marshmallows Mugs with pink liquid in itMugs with pink liquid and circus animal cookie marshmallows in them

Photos by Jeff Mindell | Recipe by Theresa Rountree

If you prefer a shortcut, some stores sell large flat marshmallows that can be cut into shapes if you don’t want to make them from scratch — a convenient alternative. Either way, these circus animal cookie marshmallows make pink hot chocolate extra festive and fun.

p.s. Try them with a DIY travel mug for a cute gift or treat.